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Joe Biden Faces Aggressive Cancer Battle Amid Public and Political Support Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday. The 82-year-old received the diagnosis on Friday after consulting a doctor the previous week due to ongoing urinary symptoms. Medical evaluations revealed a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, a scale that measures the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, such a high score indicates a “high-grade” cancer that is likely to spread quickly. Despite the severity, Biden’s team noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which typically means the condition is more responsive to certain treatments and may be managed effectively. Biden and his family are reportedly exploring treatment options. This news comes less than a year after he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race amid growing concerns about his age and overall health. Biden had been vying for re-election when his campaign was hampered by a widely criticized performance during a televised debate in June against current President Donald Trump. His vice president, Kamala Harris, ultimately took his place as the Democratic nominee. The announcement sparked a wave of reactions from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump expressed sympathy on his social media platform, Truth Social. "We are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis," Trump wrote. "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family. We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Democratic Representative Ro Khanna also voiced support on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He and Jill have always been fighters,” Khanna said. “I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.” Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among men, trailing only skin cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 13 out of every 100 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Age remains the most significant risk factor for the disease. Since leaving office, Biden has kept a relatively low profile. His few public appearances included a keynote address in April at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. In May, he participated in his first interview since stepping down, speaking to the BBC about the difficulty of his decision to leave the race. That same month, he appeared on The View, where he pushed back against speculation about cognitive decline during his final year as president. “There is nothing to sustain that,” he asserted. Throughout his career, Biden has been a vocal proponent of cancer research. In 2022, he and former First Lady Jill Biden relaunched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to accelerate research and reduce cancer-related deaths by over four million by 2047. Biden’s personal connection to the cause is deeply rooted in the loss of his eldest son, Beau, who died from brain cancer in 2015. As Biden confronts this new personal battle, the outpouring of public and political support reflects the deep impact he has had across both sides of the aisle. While the road ahead is uncertain, many are hoping the resilience that defined his political career will now serve him in this deeply personal fight. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-05-19

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a renewed attempt to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the call would take place at 10:00 EDT (14:00 GMT) on Monday and would be followed by conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several NATO leaders. The announcement comes on the heels of unsuccessful face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul last Friday—their first direct engagement in three years. While the meeting yielded a prisoner exchange agreement, it failed to make any substantial progress toward peace. Trump had offered to participate in the Istanbul negotiations if Putin also attended in person, but the Russian leader declined. Despite the lack of breakthrough in Turkey, Trump remains confident in the power of diplomacy. “Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end,” he wrote. He also reiterated his belief that meaningful progress would only come through direct dialogue with Putin. The Kremlin confirmed preparations were underway for the call. “The conversation is in the works,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Russian state-run Tass news agency. While this won’t be the first time Trump and Putin have discussed Ukraine, the former U.S. president’s renewed involvement signals his determination to insert himself as a key player in the peace process. Moscow’s reaction to Trump’s mediation efforts has been mixed. During a separate conversation on Saturday between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the Kremlin expressed cautious openness to American involvement. However, a Ukrainian official disclosed that Russia had introduced “new and unacceptable demands,” including calls for Kyiv to withdraw troops from significant portions of its own territory as a condition for a ceasefire. Despite those sticking points, the Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, reported satisfaction with the discussions and signaled willingness to continue diplomatic contact. “We are ready to maintain dialogue,” Medinsky said, hinting at further talks in the near future. Meanwhile, tensions on the ground remain high. Just hours after the Istanbul summit, a Russian drone strike targeted a passenger bus in Ukraine’s Sumy region, killing nine civilians. President Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it “a deliberate killing of civilians,” and urged the international community to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow. Russian state media, however, claimed the strike had hit a “military staging area,” not a civilian target. As the international community watches closely, all eyes are now on the proposed Trump-Putin call. While the prospects of an immediate ceasefire remain uncertain, Trump's direct engagement signals a dramatic shift in tone and approach—one that he hopes will bring an end to what he described as a “very violent war” that “should have never happened.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-05-19

Ireland’s Balancing Act Collapses as Trump Redraws the Global Map For decades, Ireland enjoyed the rare luxury of not having to choose sides. Straddling two powerful spheres, it reaped the rewards of European Union membership while serving as a gateway for American corporations into Europe. It was a masterclass in geopolitical hedging: Brussels provided infrastructure and legitimacy, while Silicon Valley giants lined Ireland’s treasury. But that era of strategic ambiguity is rapidly coming to an end, and Donald Trump’s resurgence on the political stage may be the final shove. Since the 1990s, Ireland has walked a tightrope between two worlds. On one hand, it played the loyal EU partner, gladly accepting subsidies and integrating into the single market. On the other, it became a low-tax haven for American tech and pharmaceutical firms, making it an indispensable node in global supply chains. For a while, the formula seemed untouchable. The Irish economy boomed, boasting the fastest growth in the developed world. In hindsight, that success may have been a double-edged sword. Now, with Trump threatening renewed tariffs and the EU preparing retaliatory measures, Ireland finds itself caught in the crossfire of an unraveling global order. The country's dependence on American capital is stark. Ten American companies account for 60 percent of Ireland’s corporate tax revenues. Around 350,000 jobs — in a population of just over five million — are tied to U.S. firms. Its trade surplus with the U.S. is among the highest in the world per capita. As the political winds shift, those economic foundations look increasingly fragile. Meanwhile, Ireland’s loyalty to the EU has cost it critical sovereignty. In recent years, powers over trade, monetary policy, and even fiscal levers have been ceded to Brussels. Attempts to shield its tax structure from European oversight have grown harder to justify. What little economic autonomy remained after the 2008 financial crash has largely been sold off or surrendered. Ireland’s post-crisis mantra — “It’s the economy, stupid” — now feels outdated as geopolitics and ideology return with force. The tensions are not merely financial. Ireland is being pulled ideologically in opposite directions. The European Commission recently issued a two-month ultimatum to Dublin, demanding it enact shelved hate speech legislation or face legal action. The proposed law, widely criticized at home, would grant authorities expansive powers over what qualifies as punishable speech. The government blamed its legislative delay on a lack of “consensus,” but the truth is it was poorly drafted and deeply unpopular. American figures weren’t impressed either. The law’s implications for social media — much of which is headquartered in Dublin — triggered concern in the U.S. Elon Musk pledged to fund legal opposition, while American politicians voiced alarm. Then-Senator JD Vance wrote pointedly to the Irish ambassador: “If this were happening in Russia or China… we would call it totalitarian and threaten economic sanctions.” Trump himself has begun calling out Ireland directly. He’s accused the country of “taking our pharmaceutical companies away,” and reports suggest fresh tariffs on the sector are being readied. Pharma exports to the U.S. from Ireland exploded from €5.5 billion to €28 billion between March 2023 and March 2024. The surge is impressive, but the underlying fear is that it's a final cash grab before the door closes. Reshoring those industries won’t be easy, but Trump doesn’t need to move factories to cause pain. A single change to U.S. tax policy could strip billions from Ireland’s economy overnight. Earlier this year, the Irish government was still counseling patience. “Don’t take Trump literally,” officials said. That advice has since vanished. Ministers are now bracing for economic downturn, revisiting once-buried concepts like “budget deficits.” Forecasts warn tax receipts could revert to 2020 levels, potentially putting Ireland €15 billion in deficit by the end of the decade. For years, Ireland avoided difficult choices by outsourcing them — Europe made the rules, America brought the profits. But that comfortable balance has broken down. Both blocs are now demanding clarity and loyalty. The EU is tightening ideological controls. The U.S., under Trump, is poised to punish divergence. The middle ground, once so lucrative, is rapidly disappearing. Ireland’s greatest national strategy was its refusal to choose. That luxury is gone. Now the only question is who will make the choice for Ireland — and at what cost. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-19

In the once-thriving Lancashire mill town of Nelson, change has been constant, but integration has not always kept pace. Today, many locals describe their home as “Britain’s valley of strangers,” where linguistic and cultural divides have grown deeper over the years, and where communication—literally—often stops at the language barrier. Tariq Hussain, who has lived in Nelson for over 20 years, typifies this disconnect. A 57-year-old clothing merchant who sells traditional Asian garments, Mr Hussain admits he was unaware of Labour leader Keir Starmer’s recent immigration proposals, saying he has more immediate concerns. “I speak little English even though I have been in this country for quite a long time,” he explained in Punjabi. “I don’t watch the British news because I don’t understand it, so what’s the point?” His days are spent catering to Pakistani customers and checking on family in Pakistan, a country grappling with fresh tensions with India. “All my work involves dealing with other Pakistani people and my friends are all Pakistani, so I don’t need to speak English,” he said. “If I do, I get somebody to help me.” He chuckled, “No knowledge without college,” acknowledging that his lack of formal education may have held him back. But Mr Hussain is far from an anomaly. According to census data, Pendle Borough Council, which includes Nelson, has the highest rate in the UK of residents who speak little to no English. Nearly 38% of people in the borough whose first language isn’t English fall into that category, with the majority living in Nelson. In some parts of the town, as many as one in five residents struggle with English. Zafar Ali, 65, moved to Nelson from Pakistan in 1968 and spent his life working in mills and other jobs. Speaking in a thick Lancashire accent, he lamented, “A lot of the new arrivals from Pakistan and other countries don’t make much effort to learn and speak English, but it wasn’t like that in my day. Of course, speaking English is important. But the immigration system is so messed up that they let anybody in, and no Government is bothered if people integrate or work. It’s all wrong.” Indeed, many of the town’s institutions have changed dramatically. The local pub culture, once a cornerstone of social life, has all but vanished. Samantha Barrett, 39, who runs the Lord Nelson pub, said business is slow and rarely sees more than a handful of customers. “We are a pub in a Muslim-majority town, so it’s never going to be good,” she said. “The town centre is dead, a lot of people who live here don’t speak English, and they certainly don’t like a drink.” Nearby, shopfronts cater to a predominantly Asian customer base, with bustling bazaars filled with vibrant fabrics and traditional food outlets. In stark contrast, the town’s main shopping centre is slated for demolition, a symbol of broader economic decline. For Azhar, a mosque official and community organiser, the English language issue is nuanced. “A lot of our women don’t speak English because they don’t go out to work,” he explained. “In recent years, we’ve had a lot of Pakistanis from European countries settling in Nelson because they feel more comfortable here. They might not speak English but they’re fluent in Italian or Spanish. We’ve also had a lot of asylum seekers settling in Nelson and people from Eastern Europe.” One such asylum seeker is Umid Ehsani, an Afghan hoping to become a professional boxer. He clutches an English language study book and relies on a friend to interpret. “One day I want to be fluent in English,” he said through his interpreter. “But at the moment I can’t speak with anybody apart from my fellow Afghans.” Even long-time residents have noticed the growing gap. Basharat Ahmed, 72, reflected on the changing character of his town. “Nelson is a great place, but it’s definitely become more divided over the years and a lot of that is because of the new arrivals who have trouble speaking English,” he said. Yet there are glimmers of hope. Baligha Sahfi, 24, arrived from Pakistan in 2023 after marrying a British-Pakistani man. “Before I came, I did a course in English and am now trying my best to improve because this is now my country,” she said. “I love Nelson and living in England, especially the food. I like fish and chips and cheese and onion pies.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily Mail 2025-05-19

The BBC is facing intense scrutiny after revelations emerged that Wesam Afifa, a frequent guest on its Arabic-language broadcasts, previously held top positions at media outlets linked to Hamas. The corporation has launched an internal investigation into how Afifa, who led the Hamas-controlled Al-Aqsa TV, was repeatedly introduced as an independent “journalistic writer” and “political analyst” on BBC Arabic without acknowledgment of his affiliations. Afifa served as editor-in-chief of Al-Aqsa TV, which the BBC itself has described as a Hamas-controlled outlet, from 2017 until September 2023. He also held the same title at the al-Resalah news website, a platform widely regarded as closely tied to Hamas, from January 2006 until the same date last year. According to his professional profile, Afifa continues to contribute articles to al-Resalah. Despite this background, the BBC introduced him in a recent May 2 interview simply as “a journalistic author.” During that appearance, Afifa described “atrocious massacres” and widespread “hunger” in Gaza. His appearances stretch back to at least August 2023, when he was still running Al-Aqsa TV. At that time, the BBC also referred to him as a “journalistic author” in a discussion about ceasefire negotiations. In December 2023, he appeared again, this time described as an “author and political analyst,” to criticize the Palestinian Authority's actions against Hamas in the West Bank. According to one source, Afifa has featured on the BBC Arabic service at least six times. A spokesperson for the BBC World Service acknowledged the controversy, stating: “We strive for the highest standards of transparency with audiences, including about the contributors we use and their background. We are investigating the way this specific contributor was introduced and how he was used on air.” The issue has reignited a broader debate about BBC Arabic’s editorial standards and impartiality. Nick Robinson, host of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, recently pushed back against accusations that the BBC gives a platform to Hamas operatives masquerading as journalists. Responding to Israeli government spokesman David Mencer’s claim that many Gaza-based journalists are “simply Hamas operatives wearing press vests,” Robinson said, “I think the BBC knows how to judge real journalists from not real journalists.” Yet critics remain unconvinced. Danny Cohen, the BBC’s former director of television, said: “Even by the standards of BBC Arabic, it is staggering that the man who led a Hamas-run television station has been appearing regularly on a BBC service. BBC Arabic has become a propaganda channel for a terrorist organisation. Licence-fee payers are funding this service and the BBC must confirm whether they have been paying a prominent Hamas figure for his appearances.” Cohen laid blame squarely on BBC leadership. “Responsibility for BBC Arabic rests with the director-general, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness. Their utter failure to deal with serious issues of racism and impartiality on this BBC service over a lengthy period is both shocking and indefensible.” This isn’t the first time BBC Arabic has faced allegations of bias. Samir Shah, the BBC’s chairman, described a previous incident involving the documentary Gaza: How To Survive a Warzone as a “dagger to the heart” of the broadcaster’s impartiality. The programme failed to disclose that its child narrator was the son of a Hamas minister, and that the child’s mother had been paid by the independent production company involved. In response to these repeated controversies, Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch has called for “wholesale reform” of the BBC Arabic channel. In a letter to Tim Davie, she warned that her party may no longer support the licence fee if the corporation does not address concerns over antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. Hamas’s military wing was classified as a terrorist organisation by the UK in 2001, with its political wing receiving the same designation in 2021. The Times has reached out to Wesam Afifa for comment through his social media accounts. Related Topics: BBC Contributor in Gaza Sparks Outrage ‘We’ll burn Jews like Hitler did’ BBC Doc Features Son Of Hamas Leader but Fails to Disclose to Viewers BBC Faces Backlash Over Use of Term ‘Revert’ in Islam Coverage BBC Faces More Serious Accusations of Bias in Gaza Hostage Release Coverage "Controversy Surrounds BBC Arabic's Coverage of Israel-Gaza Conflict" BBC uses account of journalist working for Iran-backed news agency in Gaza deaths article MPs demand inquiry Gaza doctors at centre of harrowing BBC report are Hamas supporters BBC criticized For failing To Disclose Affiliations of Palestinian Journalists Hamas Ties BBC Faces Backlash Over Terminology in Hamas Coverage BBC Chairman Calls For a Thorough Review of Israel-Hamas War Bias BBC Accused of Bias in Israel-Hamas Coverage: Over 1,500 Breaches of Guidelines Jeremy Bowen Defends BBC Amid Allegations of Bias Over Israel-Hamas Coverage New Report from former BBC Director Criticizes Coverage of Israel-Hamas Conflict Whistleblower Alleges Normalized Anti-Semitism at the BBC Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-19

Britain Plans Civilian Force to Shield Infrastructure in New 'Pre-War' Strategy The UK government is preparing to launch a modern version of the wartime Home Guard as part of a sweeping defence overhaul designed to confront rising global threats. Thousands of civilian volunteers may be recruited to protect key infrastructure sites across the country, from nuclear power stations and telecom facilities to vital energy hubs and undersea internet cable landings, under proposals set out in the upcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR). This modern Home Guard, inspired by the citizens’ militia formed in 1940 to defend against Nazi invasion, would form part of a broader national strategy focused on homeland security and resilience. Officials behind the plan say it reflects the gravity of the current geopolitical landscape, describing it as a “pre-war era” marked by growing tensions with an axis of hostile states including Russia, Iran and North Korea. According to senior government sources, the volunteer force will be tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure from potential sabotage or attack by enemy states or terrorist operatives. Recent events, such as the fire that disrupted operations at Heathrow Airport, are cited as evidence of the need for increased protection of essential facilities. While Britain is not facing an imminent military invasion, officials acknowledge that the threat of hybrid or "greyzone" attacks—particularly from Russia—has revealed vulnerabilities in national infrastructure that must be addressed urgently. The SDR, expected to be released within weeks, will lay out a comprehensive vision for strengthening national defence both at home and abroad. The document is also expected to pave the way for further military investments and strategic shifts. Among the key developments are plans for a new generation of nuclear-powered hunter submarines—dubbed SSN-Aukus—as part of Britain’s trilateral defence pact with the United States and Australia. These vessels would replace the ageing fleet of seven Astute-class submarines and bolster underwater defence capabilities. In parallel, Defence Secretary John Healey is pushing to reverse years of military downsizing by increasing the British Army’s headcount to 76,000, up from the current target of 72,500. The move is part of a broader push to address what critics have described as decades of underinvestment and erosion in the UK’s armed forces. A new national security strategy, led by National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and foreign policy expert John Bew, will complement the SDR in the lead-up to a major NATO summit in June. There, former US President Donald Trump is widely expected to renew calls for higher defence spending among European allies. A follow-up defence capability command paper is also due this autumn, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her spending review. That document will outline how the UK intends to implement its new defence programmes in detail. As for the new Home Guard, officials say the force will be composed of civilians drawn from local communities across the UK, operating in regional hubs. Though distinct from the army reserves, it is expected to share a similar structure and work closely with existing agencies like the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, an armed police unit responsible for securing the nation’s nuclear sites. Details of recruitment, training and deployment will be finalized by the Ministry of Defence in the coming months. The original Home Guard, known initially as the Local Defence Volunteers, was formed during the Second World War and eventually swelled to more than 1.5 million members. Comprising mostly men deemed too old or too young for front-line combat, their role was to provide a last line of defence in the event of invasion. They also patrolled industrial sites, transportation links, and maintained order on the home front. Today’s iteration may serve a different purpose, but the driving logic remains consistent: a citizen force ready to respond to threats against the nation’s vital lifelines. As Britain rethinks its place in an increasingly unstable world, the return of the Home Guard signals a significant shift in how the country prepares for the challenges ahead. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-19

Keir Starmer Dodges Questions on Potential Reversal of Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Sir Keir Starmer has declined to dismiss suggestions that the government may soften its stance on the highly controversial cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners, despite earlier assurances that the policy would not change. The Labour leader's evasiveness marks a notable shift from two weeks ago, when Downing Street unequivocally stated there would be no alterations to the plan. This comes amid growing pressure within Labour ranks following a poor showing in local elections, with party insiders increasingly linking the cuts to voter dissatisfaction. No. 10 is now reportedly considering adjustments to the policy, including the possibility of raising the £11,500 income threshold which currently disqualifies pensioners from receiving the payment—or even scrapping the policy altogether. When asked to respond to these reports, first published by the i newspaper, Starmer avoided confirming or denying the possibility of a change. “I have not seen any reports today,” he said. “We took difficult decisions, but the right decisions at the budget, including the decision that we took on winter fuel.” Defending the original move, Starmer said the decision was necessary to stabilise the economy, and insisted it was already yielding results. “We are now seeing the benefits of that in the interest rate cuts and the [recent] growth figures. They were difficult decisions but the right decisions,” he added. Starmer’s refusal to directly address the potential U-turn contrasts sharply with the government’s previous firmness. Just two weeks ago, following similar reports in The Guardian, Downing Street issued a clear denial: “The policy is set out. There will not be a change to the government’s policy.” But the political climate has since shifted. Discontent within Labour has been growing, with some MPs blaming the winter fuel payment cuts for the party’s weak performance in the local elections. There is also the looming threat of a significant parliamentary rebellion, with over 100 MPs reportedly preparing to withhold support for the government’s £5 billion welfare reform package set to be debated later this summer. The winter fuel payment cut, which was not mentioned in Labour’s election manifesto, was introduced last year shortly after the party took power. The change, driven by Chancellor Rachel Reeves within her first three weeks in office, resulted in around nine million pensioners losing access to the annual allowance worth between £100 and £300. Labour has defended the policy as a necessary measure to address a large fiscal deficit. The party claims that overspending by the previous Conservative government created a £22 billion black hole in public finances, which the winter fuel cut was partially intended to offset. As internal dissent mounts and the party faces growing criticism, Starmer’s reluctance to confirm the government’s position suggests the policy may yet be revised. Whether that means a softening of the terms or a complete reversal remains uncertain, but the pressure on the Prime Minister to act decisively is undoubtedly increasing. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-18

Slowing Ocean Currents Drive Flood Surge Along US Northeast Coast, Scientists Warn A vital system of ocean currents that regulates global climate and sea levels is showing signs of dangerous weakening—and the consequences are already being felt along the northeastern coast of the United States. A new study published Friday by the American Association for the Advancement of Science links the increasing frequency of coastal flooding in the region to the weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC. Functioning like a massive oceanic conveyor belt, the AMOC transports heat, salt, and freshwater throughout the Atlantic Ocean. It plays a critical role in shaping weather patterns, global temperatures, and, significantly, sea levels. Scientists have long warned that disruptions to this system could accelerate climate-related changes. This new study shows the AMOC’s weakening is already translating into real-world impacts, especially through its influence on coastal flooding. Using decades of data from tide gauges—devices that monitor sea level changes—combined with sophisticated ocean modeling, researchers were able to quantify the AMOC’s impact on flooding from 2005 to 2022. Their analysis revealed that up to 50% of the flood events in the Northeast during that period were driven by the weakened current. On a practical level, this translated to as many as eight additional flood days per year. “This study is the first to find it’s substantially affecting flood frequency,” said Liping Zhang, a project scientist at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and one of the study’s authors. While the idea that the AMOC contributes to regional sea level rise isn’t new, Zhang emphasized the study’s importance in highlighting its measurable role in flood frequency, a critical factor for communities planning for climate impacts. The AMOC influences sea levels through two main mechanisms, according to David Thornally, professor of ocean and climate science at University College London, who was not involved in the research. A strong AMOC produces dense, deep water that sinks and flows along the western edge of the Atlantic. When the current weakens, that water becomes less dense, expanding and raising sea levels. Additionally, a weaker AMOC disrupts the Gulf Stream, pushing more water onto the continental shelf and further driving up coastal sea levels. Zhang emphasized the broader implications of these changes: “Coastal flooding can reshape the coastal environment… (and) poses threats to both lives and infrastructure in coastal regions.” As the planet warms and sea levels rise, she said, understanding the dynamics behind these changes is vital to forecasting and preparing for future risks. Thornally agreed, noting that the research offers valuable tools for communities. “A study like this is a good way to demonstrate the day-to-day impacts of changes [in the] AMOC,” he said. He added that while climate models can’t perfectly replicate oceanic systems, the high-resolution modeling used in this study likely does a strong job of mimicking real-world sea level patterns. Gerard McCarthy, an oceanographer at Maynooth University in Ireland who was also not involved in the study, called the findings significant. “It shows how AMOC can help predict sea level extremes along this coast,” he said. Concerns about the AMOC’s stability have grown in recent years. Several studies suggest the current could weaken significantly or even collapse in the coming decades as climate change continues to heat the oceans and melt ice, disrupting the system’s delicate balance of temperature and salinity. “The science is still not clear,” McCarthy cautioned, “but a collapse would be a high-impact event and it is critical that we know what to expect.” While the idea of a sudden AMOC shutdown has captured the public imagination through Hollywood thrillers like The Day After Tomorrow, Thornally noted that the real dangers lie in more subtle but persistent disruptions. “These are not exaggerated movie scenarios,” he said. “They are gradual but devastating shifts already reshaping our coasts.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-05-19

In a scene that blurred the lines between diplomacy and theater, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama once again found himself at the feet of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—literally. On Friday, as Meloni arrived in Tirana for the European Political Community (EPC) summit, Rama greeted her by dropping to one knee on a red carpet in a gesture that was equal parts playful and reverent. This was not the first time Rama has offered such a greeting to Meloni, but it was certainly one of the most photographed. Meloni, taken by surprise, laughed and said, “Edi, no!” as Rama brought his hands together in a mock prayer pose. Standing next to the towering Rama, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall, Meloni, who stands at 5 feet 2 inches, joked to photographers, “He only does it to be as tall as me.” The brief but colorful exchange was emblematic of the rapport between the two leaders. With a casual arm around Meloni’s shoulder, Rama asked in Italian, “Tutto bene?”—“Everything OK?” The informality of their interaction stood in sharp contrast to the usual stiff protocols of international diplomacy. Yet, it also underlined a genuine and growing political partnership between Albania and Italy. Rama, a former professional basketball player who chose to wear white trainers with his suit at the summit, has cultivated a particularly warm relationship with Rome. That closeness is reflected in his government’s controversial decision to allow Italy to construct a migrant processing center in northern Albania. Though the center has not yet opened due to ongoing legal disputes, Rama has defended the move as a gesture of gratitude. “Italy was ready to welcome our migrants after the Cold War,” he has stated, framing the arrangement as a symbolic return of past favors. Albania has also benefited from Italy’s vocal support in its efforts to join the European Union. During a joint press conference with UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer earlier in the week, Rama reiterated that Albania would not permit the UK to establish a similar migrant hub on its soil, signaling that the special treatment is reserved exclusively for Italy. His wit was on display once more as he joked that the British delegation had brought the heavy rain to Tirana, only to later declare “Here’s the Sun King” when French President Emmanuel Macron arrived and the sun broke through the clouds. This isn’t the first time Rama’s admiration for Meloni has been on public display. Earlier this year, during a summit in Abu Dhabi, he also knelt before her and presented her with a birthday gift—a scarf—while serenading her with “Happy Birthday.” These repeated displays of affection and humor have made headlines and sparked discussions about the dynamics between the two leaders. Whatever the motivations behind Rama’s theatrical gestures—whether diplomatic symbolism, personal camaraderie, or a strategic embrace of populist charm—one thing is clear: Giorgia Meloni has found not just an ally in Edi Rama, but a devoted admirer whose reverence is far from ordinary. Related Topic: Albania Snubs Starmer after Rejecting UK Migrant Return Hubs Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-19

A Mexican navy tall sailing ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night – and a search and rescue operation is underway to pull people out of the murky waters, according to fire officials and sources. The one of the towering 147-foot masts on the Cuauhtémoc — which was carrying about 200 people on board — collided with the bridge before 9 p.m., sources told The Post. Victims are being transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and those in critical condition will be taken to the hospital for additional treatment. Sources said two people are in critical condition, with others wounded. Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP 2025-05-18

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Biden’s Cognitive Struggles Resurface Amid Leaked Interview Audio Fresh scrutiny has been cast on President Joe Biden’s cognitive fitness after the release of audio from a 2023 special counsel interview revealed the then-president speaking in halting, uncertain tones as he attempted to answer questions regarding classified documents found at his home. The audio, published Friday by Axios, aligns with a previously released transcript but provides a new dimension to Biden’s responses, as listeners can now hear the pauses and verbal hesitations that characterized his remarks. In the recording, Biden appears to falter when asked to recall specific dates, including those tied to his vice presidency, the death of his son Beau, and the timeline of Donald Trump’s election in 2016. While the transcript of special counsel Robert Hur’s two-day interview was made public last year, the Biden White House had declined to release the actual audio, prompting criticism from political opponents and renewed debate about transparency. Despite the stumbling performance, Hur ultimately chose not to file charges against Biden over the handling of classified documents. In his report, Hur described the president as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” a characterization that itself became a flashpoint in the wider discussion over Biden’s mental acuity. President Donald Trump responded quickly to the release of the audio, pointing to what he sees as a pattern of concealment by the current administration. “Look, everybody understands the condition of him [Biden],” Trump said during remarks on Friday. “I know people that are 89, 90, 92, 93 years old and are literally perfect. But Joe was not one of them, and they did a lot of hiding. They were, they were really playing games. And, you know, you can’t do that. Our country’s at stake.” The resurfacing of the interview audio coincides with the upcoming release of a book titled Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, authored by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson. The book delves into Biden’s health and decision to seek reelection, suggesting that concerns about his cognitive state were well known among his inner circle and potentially obscured from the public. Whether the Justice Department will authorize the full public release of the two-year-old interview tapes remains uncertain. Trump recently said that it would be left to the discretion of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the DOJ, hinting at possible further revelations in the future. As Biden continues his campaign for a second term, the leaked audio provides fresh material for critics who have long questioned his capacity to serve. The tension between public transparency and private health continues to shadow his presidency, and the newly publicized sound of his own voice struggling to recall critical moments may deepen the political divide over his leadership. Related Topics: Biden Inside the Final Days: Wheelchair, falls and a cover-up. White House Secrecy New book Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Hill 2025-05-17

Related topic just published: Syria’s New President Vows Peace with Israel in Historic Trump Meeting

Syria’s New President Vows Peace with Israel in Historic Trump Meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has privately pledged to pursue peace with Israel, committing to the Abraham Accords in a landmark meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The historic encounter, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the first direct contact between Syrian and American heads of state in a quarter of a century. President Trump, who was touring the Gulf in a renewed push for regional realignment, confirmed that he had lifted all sanctions on Damascus, declaring it was time to give the war-torn nation “a fresh start” under its new Islamist leadership. “He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump said after the meeting. “I spoke with President Erdogan, who is very friendly with him. He feels he’s got a shot of doing a good job. It’s a torn-up country.” Sharaa, 42, who previously commanded the militant group al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is still technically listed as a terrorist by the U.S., but has rapidly reinvented himself as a regional power broker. He has consistently opposed Iran’s influence in the Middle East and has publicly condemned its network of proxies. In December, he boasted to Arabic media that by overthrowing Bashar al-Assad, his forces had “set back Iran’s regional project by 40 years.” He added, “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests.” During the 33-minute meeting, which included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via phone, Sharaa signaled his intent to normalize relations with Israel, in line with the Abraham Accords that began under Trump’s first administration. A source close to the talks confirmed Sharaa’s commitment to joining the accords but noted he insisted on first stabilizing Syria, which has been in turmoil since HTS took power last December. Trump, who was characteristically effusive, called Sharaa a “young, attractive guy” and said he believed Syria could eventually join the accords. “I think they have to get themselves straightened up. I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out’. He said, ‘Yes.’ But they have a lot of work to do,” Trump said. As part of the private agreement, Sharaa reportedly assured Trump that Syria would not challenge Israel’s hold over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. The Times understands that Syria has also agreed not to contest the buffer zone maintained by Israeli troops along the border, signaling a significant departure from long-standing Syrian policy. Trump called on Syria to collaborate on security issues, including the deportation of all “Palestinian terrorists” and the management of Islamic State detention facilities in the country’s northeast. In return, the U.S. has removed economic restrictions that had crippled the Syrian economy for years. After the Syria meeting, Trump flew to Qatar, where he was warmly welcomed by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, whom he described as a “tall, handsome” and “very smart” man. The visit yielded enormous financial commitments, including what Trump described as “the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing,” a deal valued at over $200 billion. Qatar also pledged $1.2 trillion in U.S. investments, while Saudi Arabia added $600 billion, including $142 billion in arms purchases. Trump concluded the tour by issuing a renewed ultimatum to Iran, demanding the country abandon its nuclear ambitions and cease all support for regional militias. “We want to make a deal with Iran,” Trump said, “but only if Tehran stops sponsoring terror, its bloody proxy wars and permanently and verifiably ceases its pursuit of nuclear weapons.” With sanctions lifted and a roadmap to peace with Israel laid out, Syria under Sharaa appears to be repositioning itself dramatically on the global stage—one that, for now, carries the full support of a former American president. Related Topic: Trump’s Gulf Tour: Golden Camels, Cybertrucks, and Trillion-Dollar Courtships Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-17

A post has been removed as there is aleady a topic running:

A number of posts removed for pure trolling and attempting to bring in Jan 6th. Replies additionaly removed.

Escalation in Gaza Amid Hopes for Ceasefire Fade Following Trump’s Regional Visit Israel intensified its military campaign across the Gaza Strip on Friday, launching dozens of airstrikes that, according to local health officials, killed at least 108 people. The escalation followed a deadly week in Gaza, where more than 130 people had already been reported killed. The figures come from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian casualties and those of combatants. The latest wave of attacks coincided with the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic tour of the Middle East. Although he visited three Gulf nations, Trump did not stop in Israel during his trip, sparking speculation about the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire or easing the blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Speaking to journalists in Abu Dhabi at the end of his tour, Trump acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in the region. “We’re looking at Gaza,” he said. “And we’ve got to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving. A lot of people are — there’s a lot of bad things going on.” In the southern part of Gaza, Israeli forces targeted areas on the edges of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis. According to Israeli officials, the airstrikes were aimed at anti-tank missile sites and other military infrastructure. One Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attacks were part of preparations for a broader military offensive. The official warned that unless Hamas releases the 58 hostages still held in Gaza since the group’s October 2023 surprise assault, a large-scale operation would commence. Earlier in the week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pledged to ramp up military pressure on Hamas. In a statement released by his office on Tuesday, Netanyahu declared that Israeli forces were just days away from entering Gaza “with great strength to complete the mission.” Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Friday that recent strikes were also aimed at Mohammed Sinwar, whom Israel believes to be the current leader of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza. There has been no confirmation on whether the strikes were successful in eliminating Sinwar. He is the brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader in Gaza and one of the key architects of the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the current war. Of the remaining hostages believed to be in Gaza, Israeli intelligence estimates that up to 23 may still be alive. However, concerns have been raised over the health and whereabouts of at least three of them. Amid the deepening crisis, a new U.S.-backed humanitarian organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, announced plans to begin delivering aid before the end of the month. The group’s statement said it had secured key agreements from Israeli authorities and named several U.S. military veterans, ex-humanitarian officials, and private security contractors as part of its leadership team. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from the broader humanitarian sector. The United Nations and several aid organizations have signaled they will not take part, citing that the Foundation's framework does not meet established humanitarian principles and is unlikely to fulfill the urgent needs of the civilian population in Gaza. Adapted by ASEAN Now from AP News 2025-05-17

UK Delays Chagos Islands Agreement Amid Political Turmoil Over Welfare Cuts Plans for the UK to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius have been put on hold by Downing Street amid fears of political backlash, particularly from within Labour ranks, as the government simultaneously pushes for sweeping welfare reforms. The agreement, long in the works and reportedly “ready to sign,” was delayed due to mounting concerns about the timing and cost, which could inflame tensions already rising over a proposed £5 billion cut to the welfare budget. According to senior government sources, the deal had progressed significantly after former US President Donald Trump removed American objections in February, clearing the path for Britain to return control of the archipelago to Mauritius. However, political advisers in No 10 argued that it would be “toxic” to finalise the deal while also asking MPs to support deep cuts to welfare spending. “They know that they’re going to be attacked by the Tories and Reform for giving up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands but it makes it much worse if they’re also being attacked from their own side,” said one insider. “The deal is ready to go but Downing Street is refusing to give it the green light.” The financial settlement tied to the Chagos agreement is reported to be approximately £90 million a year for the next century. While ministers have not officially confirmed the cost, the figure is believed to be based on the $63 million annual rent paid by the US to Djibouti for Camp Lemonnier. Mauritian negotiators argued that Diego Garcia—home to a major US military base and the largest island in the Chagos archipelago—is more valuable due to its remote strategic location, warranting significantly higher payments. These payments, to be made in US dollars and linked to inflation, would rise over the 99-year lease period during which the UK would retain access to Diego Garcia. The political sensitivity surrounding the deal has been compounded by unrest among Labour backbenchers. A letter signed by more than 100 MPs was sent to the chief whip warning that they were “prepared not to support” the proposed welfare reforms. A separate public letter, signed by 42 MPs, mostly from the party’s left, further illustrated the growing resistance. Up to 50 additional MPs have reportedly raised private concerns, with some suggesting the reforms are simply a cost-cutting measure driven by fiscal targets set by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. “I know my constituents will support [the cuts],” one Labour MP admitted. “But the harm this will do to the most vulnerable people in this country makes them completely intolerable.” Despite this, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has remained firm in his stance, describing the need to overhaul the welfare system as “overwhelming.” Speaking on the rebellion, Starmer said: “To start from the fundamentals, the system as it is is not working. Therefore it needs to be reformed. It is not complying with the three principles I have set out many times: support those who need support; ensure that those who can get into work are supported into work; and that those who can work should work. That’s the approach I’ve taken so far, it’s the approach I’ll continue to take to this.” When asked whether discontented backbenchers would simply have to “lump it,” Starmer responded, “We have to get on and reform this system, it’s not working for anybody and therefore we have to reform it.” The legislation for the welfare changes is expected to be introduced in Parliament in mid-June, with the aim of securing passage before the summer recess. However, with the Chagos deal now politically entangled in the broader debate about austerity and national priorities, insiders say it may be some time before the issue resurfaces publicly. “I don’t think we’ll be hearing about Chagos for a while,” said one source. “They want to take the sting out of it.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-17

UK Faces Growing Pressure to Review Solar Infrastructure Amid Fears of Chinese ‘Kill Switches’ Fresh concerns over the security of Western energy infrastructure have emerged after hidden Chinese “kill switches” were reportedly found embedded in solar farms across the United States. The revelations have ignited calls for an immediate pause in the UK’s renewable energy rollout, with critics urging Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to reassess the country’s green energy strategy to protect national security. "U.S. energy officials are reassessing the risk posed by Chinese-made devices that play a critical role in renewable energy infrastructure after unexplained communication equipment was found inside some of them, two people familiar with the matter said." The potentially compromising components—cellular radios capable of remotely disabling solar equipment—were discovered within power inverters manufactured by unnamed Chinese companies, according to a Reuters investigation. These inverters serve as vital links in the power system, converting energy produced by solar and wind installations into a form usable by the grid. One source described the security implications as deeply troubling, stating that such devices could provide Beijing with “a built-in way to physically destroy the grid.” While China has dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign, the discoveries have triggered alarm within US government circles and raised fears that similar vulnerabilities may exist in British solar infrastructure. Shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie expressed grave concern over the findings, calling on Miliband to launch an urgent investigation. “We were already aware of concerns being raised by the Ministry of Defence and the security and intelligence services surrounding possible monitoring technology on Chinese-built wind turbines – but given the dominance of China in solar, these developments are equally if not even more worrying,” Bowie said. “Ed Miliband’s Made in China transition – clean power at the expense of everything else – is a threat to our national security and makes a mockery of his claims on energy security. It is essential that an immediate pause and review is carried out to ensure the safety and security of our energy system,” he added. A UK government spokesperson responded by stressing that national security remains paramount. “We would never let anything get in the way of our national security, and while we would not comment on individual cases, our energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny.” Industry voices, however, urged caution against overreaction. Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, said, “If any of these inverters are present in the UK, which has not yet been established – and if the allegations prove true – they could be replaced rapidly. It should also be stressed that solar energy is helping to wean the UK off reliance on fossil fuels from unstable regimes, improving our energy security and lowering costs.” China’s dominance in the global solar market is well-established. Chinese firms currently produce over half of the world’s solar inverters, with Huawei and Sungrow alone accounting for the majority share in 2023. The European Solar Manufacturing Council estimates that more than 200 gigawatts of European solar capacity—equivalent to the output of 200 nuclear power plants—relies on Chinese-made inverters. Christoph Podewils, secretary general of the Council, warned, “This means Europe has effectively surrendered remote control of a vast portion of its electricity infrastructure.” Recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal highlighted the fragility of the grid, reportedly triggered by the sudden loss of just 2GW of capacity. Philipp Schroeder, chief executive of German solar firm 1Komma5, explained the increasing risks: “Ten years ago, if you switched off the Chinese inverters, it would not have caused a dramatic thing to happen to European grids, but now the critical mass is much larger.” In the US, tensions flared in November when Chinese-made inverters were remotely switched off, leading to a dispute between a Texas-based solar company and its supplier, Zhejiang-based Deye. While there was no direct link between that incident and the recently discovered components—and no wrongdoing was alleged against Deye—the incident underscores the complexity of the issue. The US Department of Energy acknowledged awareness of both situations but had not disclosed them publicly until now. A spokesperson said that the findings did not necessarily indicate “malicious intent,” but emphasized, “It is critical for those procuring to have a full understanding of the capabilities of the products received.” As the US moves toward a potential ban on Chinese-made equipment in its grid—mirroring earlier restrictions on Huawei telecoms technology—British policymakers now face mounting pressure to scrutinize the UK's energy infrastructure more rigorously. Earlier this year, Ministry of Defence officials also raised red flags over the involvement of Chinese firm Mingyang Smart Energy in supplying turbines to the Green Volt wind farm off Scotland, warning the arrangement would allow Chinese engineers frequent site access under the guise of maintenance. That concern has only deepened the urgency to act. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-17

Trump Criticizes France Over WWII Commemorations, Urges Greater U.S. Recognition President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy during a speech at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by mocking France’s recent commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. Speaking to American troops, Trump downplayed France’s role in the war and insisted that the United States deserves far more recognition for its contributions. “We love France, right. But I think we did a little more to win the war than France did, do we agree?” Trump said, drawing laughter from the audience. He continued, “You know, I don't want to be a wise guy. But when Hitler made his speech at the Eiffel Tower, I would say that wasn’t exactly ideal.” Recalling a conversation he had with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump claimed he had been surprised by the extent of the European celebrations. “Good guy, by the way,” Trump said, before imitating Macron’s accent and words: “‘Donald, we are celebrating our victory over the Germans.’” Trump added sarcastically, “Oh, that’s wonderful. Now, we don’t take credit for what we do. And I said, what the hell? Every country I’ve spoken to in the last week is celebrating the war but us. Isn’t that terrible?” Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day, is observed on May 8 in France and the United Kingdom, marking the date in 1945 when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to the Allied forces. Russia observes the occasion a day later, on May 9, due to time zone differences and the treaty’s late signing. Trump expressed frustration that while other nations mark the day with ceremonies and national pride, the United States seems to downplay its own pivotal role in the Allied victory. “Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everybody was celebrating but us. And we’re the ones that won the war. We won the war,” he said emphatically. He went further, asserting that without American intervention, the outcome of World War II might have looked very different. “And they helped, but without us they don’t win the war. We’re all speaking German. You know that, right? Without us, they’re speaking German, maybe a little Japanese too. We won the war. And we’re the only ones that didn’t celebrate.” Trump’s remarks underscore a long-standing theme in his public speeches, in which he frequently criticizes allies for what he sees as a lack of acknowledgment of American leadership and sacrifice. His tone, often sarcastic and provocative, has previously caused tension with international partners, and his comments about France's war-time efforts are likely to attract renewed scrutiny. As of now, the French foreign ministry has not publicly responded to Trump’s statements. Newsweek confirmed it reached out to their press office via email for comment. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Newsweek 2025-05-17

Germany Aims to Build Europe’s Most Powerful Army, Says Chancellor Merz Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled a dramatic shift in the country’s military posture, announcing that Germany must develop the most powerful conventional army in Europe and pledging to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for NATO allies to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense. Speaking before the German parliament in his first major address, Merz declared, “We must make all the means available that the Bundeswehr needs so that it can become the strongest conventional army in Europe.” The declaration represents a bold step away from Germany’s historically cautious military stance, rooted in the trauma of its Nazi past. By setting the ambition to outpace not only France and Poland, but also the United Kingdom, Germany is embracing a leadership role in European security not seen in decades. Johann Wadephul, Merz’s foreign minister, confirmed the government’s commitment, stating that Berlin would support the 5 percent defense spending benchmark urged by Trump, saying, “We will follow him there.” While Trump has long criticized NATO allies for underfunding their militaries, only a few countries, such as Estonia and Poland, have pledged to reach the 5 percent mark. The United Kingdom, by contrast, is targeting 2.5 percent of GDP on defense by 2027. Merz’s announcement comes amid Germany’s broader effort to reassert itself as a military power, a response driven largely by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For decades, Germany allowed its military capability to atrophy, symbolized by soldiers once using broomsticks during NATO exercises due to equipment shortages. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz attempted to reverse this decline with a special €100 billion fund aimed at modernizing the Bundeswehr. Merz has gone even further, lifting strict fiscal constraints on defense projects, permitting unlimited spending on any initiative that exceeds 1 percent of GDP. The government is also weighing a return to conscription—abolished in 2011—if a new volunteer service scheme fails to attract sufficient recruits. Germany’s rearmament plans are ambitious, requiring a surge in troop numbers and a ramp-up in the production of military hardware such as Taurus missiles, Leopard 2 tanks, and IRIS-T missiles. Infrastructure improvements will also be necessary, including renovations to barracks and enhancements to the transportation network, which experts fear is currently too dilapidated to move troops and equipment quickly in an emergency. The Bundeswehr currently fields around 180,000 regular troops, compared to over 135,000 in the UK. Including reservists, Germany claims nearly one million personnel, a holdover from its era of national service. While France and Poland maintain slightly over 200,000 active soldiers each, Germany’s armored capability has already outpaced Britain, with 296 battle tanks compared to Britain’s 213—of which fewer than 150 are believed to be operational. Poland leads Europe with 614 tanks, while France has 215. Despite these developments, experts note that the British military retains an edge in combat experience and training quality. Britain also possesses a robust nuclear deterrent through its Trident program, with an estimated 60 nuclear missiles. Germany, by contrast, lacks its own nuclear arsenal and relies on U.S. nuclear weapons stationed on its soil—estimated at 20, though Berlin has no operational control over them. In naval strength, Britain also leads with 52 warships and nine submarines, compared to Germany’s estimated fleet of 30 to 40 warships and six submarines. Germany’s military ambitions are also becoming more visible in its leadership of Task Force Baltic, a new NATO initiative focused on securing the Baltic Sea against potential Russian sabotage, especially threats to undersea cables. Rear Admiral Stephan Haisch of the German navy described Russian discomfort with German military activity in the region as a “good sign.” However, not all German leaders are convinced the public is psychologically prepared for this renewed military role. Former German President Joachim Gauck recently expressed concern over the national mindset. “What concerns me is not just a military weakness but a mental one, that we are not sufficiently prepared—not just technically, but in terms of emotion, morality and politics. We need a new seriousness,” he said. His words reflect the tension between Germany’s evolving military ambitions and a society that has known peace and prosperity for generations. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-17

Sir Keir Starmer has encountered a diplomatic roadblock after Albania publicly rebuffed his proposal to create “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers. The Labour Prime Minister made the announcement during his first official visit to Tirana, where he outlined a plan to begin negotiations with countries willing to host migrants who had exhausted all legal options to remain in the UK. But the idea was swiftly and firmly rejected by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. At a joint press conference, Rama left little room for misinterpretation, declaring that Albania’s involvement in such schemes was exclusive to its agreement with Italy. “I have been very clear since day one when we started this process with Italy that this was a one-off with Italy because of our very close relation but also because of the geographical situation, which makes a lot of sense,” Rama stated. “We have been asked by several countries if we are open to it and we said no because we are loyal to the marriage with Italy.” Reporter demands Starmer APOLOGISE to Albanians during press conference Albania already hosts two migration detention centres for migrants arriving from Italy, and British government sources had previously floated the country as a likely candidate for Labour’s offshoring strategy. However, the Albanian leader’s blunt remarks have left Starmer’s proposal floundering, casting doubt over whether any Balkan nation will agree to host the return hubs. The plan is part of a broader effort by the UK government to manage illegal immigration and deter Channel crossings, which have already exceeded 12,000 this year—a 40 percent rise compared to 2024. Starmer told GB News that the hubs would target individuals “who have been through the system in the UK” and needed to be returned effectively. “So that’s what the talks are about,” he explained. “I would say in this area no single measure is going to be the measure that is, if you like, a silver bullet. By putting it all together — arrests, seizures, agreements with other countries, returning people who shouldn’t be here, and return hubs, if we can through these talks to add to our armoury, will allow us to bear down on this vile trade and to make sure that we stop those people crossing the Channel.” Other countries under consideration include Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia, though no formal agreements have been announced. Any such deal would require the UK to pay host nations for each relocated asylum seeker. The strategy has not escaped criticism, drawing immediate comparisons to the Conservative Party’s now-defunct Rwanda deportation scheme, which Labour had previously opposed. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, acknowledged that return hubs might offer some utility but warned they failed to address the root of the issue. “If he can secure return hubs that would be very welcome. It’s not the answer to the problem and it would be dealing with the symptoms but not the cause,” Farage said. “If you could send failed asylum seekers away that would be a good thing but it doesn’t get round the problem that even those that do fail are still going to have all sorts of lawyers claiming Article 8 rights. It’s fine to discuss all of these things, but you have to be able to actually deliver them. The human rights element of all this makes it very, very difficult to work. Removing ourselves from the ECHR is the only way to deal with this.” The government has suggested the hubs could help preempt attempts by migrants to exploit Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to a private and family life. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said, “This will basically apply to people who have exhausted all legal routes to remain in the UK but are attempting to stall using various tactics, whether it’s losing their paperwork or using other tactics to frustrate their removal.” Despite Albania’s rejection, the government remains hopeful that other nations might be more amenable. For now, however, Starmer’s ambitions for external processing hubs face an uphill climb — one that begins with overcoming diplomatic resistance from key potential partners. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Sky News 2025-05-17

Public Safety at Risk as Nearly Half of Recalled Prisoners Deemed Too Dangerous for Release Concerns over public safety have intensified following revelations that nearly half of all prisoners recalled to jail are considered too dangerous to be released, even as the government moves ahead with emergency legislation to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons. The latest figures show that 45 percent of offenders recalled to custody in 2023-24 were denied re-release by the Parole Board due to the threat they pose to the public—yet many of these individuals could soon benefit from a new policy capping their recall period at just 28 days. Sir Keir Starmer defended the controversial decision, saying he had “no choice” but to introduce the 28-day limit due to the acute lack of prison capacity. “I don’t want to be put in this position, but it’s been pushed to crisis point where we simply don’t have the prison places for the prison population we’ve got because of the gross negligence of the last government,” Starmer said. “We are rectifying that at pace, which is why we’re now seeing prison builds. But as you’ll appreciate you can’t build a prison in a matter of months.” Projections indicate that prisons in England and Wales could be entirely full by November. There are currently 13,583 recalled prisoners, accounting for 15 percent of the overall prison population, many of whom remain incarcerated pending Parole Board approval. The new recall rule, introduced by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, will apply to offenders serving sentences between one and four years. But watchdogs, victims’ advocates, and former senior justice officials have expressed alarm over the move. Baroness Newlove, the victims commissioner, has demanded an urgent meeting with the justice secretary, calling the change “unacceptable.” In a letter to Mahmood, she warned that “many of the offenders whose recalls will now be converted to fixed term will already have had their cases considered by the Parole Board — and not been directed for release.” She added, “In each case, the board will have applied the public protection test and concluded that it remained necessary to keep the individual in custody to protect the public.” She also noted that the policy could benefit individuals convicted of violent and sexual offences, and those with repeat offending histories. The figures show that of the 3,270 decisions made last year on recalled prisoners serving fixed-term sentences of up to nine years, 1,469 were refused re-release due to safety concerns. Typically, Parole Board hearings for recalled offenders occur four to five months after their return to custody—well beyond the proposed 28-day limit. Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, issued a stark warning about the practical consequences of the move. “There are some people amongst this group that remain a significant risk to the public,” he said. “What you may now see is somebody that would previously have been recalled to custody and would stay in custody until the Parole Board consider their case, may be in and out constantly... So they’re just bouncing around the system with nothing really happening to address the fundamental reasons why you’re getting that behaviour—such as drug addiction, alcohol problems, homelessness and all those issues.” Nick Hardwick, former chief inspector of prisons, echoed these concerns. “The reason for doing this is very unclear,” he said. “If it’s thought that these prisoners are dangerous, then why are they being released before they’ve had a proper parole hearing and they’re risk assessed?” He further argued that for low-risk offenders, the new policy would be counterproductive, undermining rehabilitation efforts by disrupting housing, employment, and addiction support services. “All the work that will have been done before they left prison... will be completely wasted and the system will need to start all over again,” he said. “Either they’re dangerous, so don’t release them until they’re properly assessed, or they’re not dangerous, in which case don’t recall them. This seems to serve neither purpose.” One of the most harrowing examples cited in the debate is that of Jordan McSweeney, who was released in 2019 after serving a sentence under four years for burglary and driving offences. Within six months, he murdered Zara Aleena, a 35-year-old law graduate. Under the new rules, McSweeney would have been eligible for automatic re-release within 28 days had he been recalled. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-17

Trump’s Gulf Tour: Golden Camels, Cybertrucks, and Trillion-Dollar Courtships During a four-day tour of the Gulf, former and current U.S. President Donald Trump was treated like royalty by the region’s wealthiest states, greeted with displays of staggering extravagance in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The elaborate welcome was not only a show of hospitality but a calculated gesture underscoring how deeply Gulf leaders value their relationship with a business-oriented American president. From the moment Trump landed in Riyadh, the tone was set. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally welcomed him on the tarmac, a rare departure from royal protocol. In Doha, Trump’s motorcade was flanked by bright red Tesla Cybertrucks and riders on horseback. In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed awarded Trump the Order of Zayed, the country’s highest civilian honor. As Trump approached Qatar’s presidential office, the Amiri Diwan, he was met by a parade of elite royal camels. Trump's Art of the Deal in action in Saudi Arabia “The optics of the U.S. leader’s Middle East visit were strong,” one observer noted, “showcasing the larger-than-life opulence of the region’s richest petrostates — and how much of that wealth they are willing to spend to deepen their ties with the U.S.” Tarik Solomon, chairman at the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, summarized the sentiment: “The Gulf has always gotten along better with business-first presidents, and President Trump fits that mold perfectly.” According to Solomon, “He still symbolizes fast money, big defense, and access to American tech. So, if cozying up to him helps secure a seat at the table of the next world order, the Gulf is bringing the gold-plated chair.” Indeed, the numbers tied to Trump’s visit were historic. Qatar signed a $1.2 trillion “economic exchange” with the United States. Saudi Arabia committed to investing $600 billion in the U.S., while the UAE formalized a ten-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework. Qatar’s deal included a record-setting order of 210 Boeing jets, and Saudi Arabia inked a $142 billion arms agreement—the largest weapons deal ever signed. Though many of these agreements may take decades to materialize, the message was clear: Gulf leaders are making a long-term bet on a deep U.S. partnership, and Trump is the preferred partner. At the U.S.-Saudi Investment Summit in Riyadh’s luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman exchanged warm praise. Top American business figures including Elon Musk, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and BlackRock’s Larry Fink attended, cementing the event as a meeting of immense financial and political significance. In the UAE, Trump’s visit marked the first by a U.S. president since George W. Bush in 2008. He and Mohammed bin Zayed highlighted both their personal bond and the enduring five-decade alliance between their nations. The contrast with recent visits from Biden administration officials—marked by tension and cautious diplomacy—was striking. The UAE seems to already be reaping benefits. Reports indicate a preliminary U.S. agreement allowing the Emirates to import 500,000 Nvidia H100 chips annually—the most advanced AI chips America produces. This would supercharge the country’s efforts to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence. “Trump’s trip to the Gulf reflects the increasing personalization of geopolitics,” said Taufiq Rahim, principal at 2040 Advisory and author of Trump 2.5: A Primer. “The region’s leaders have responded accordingly, putting on an ornate display for the visiting president. Flattery and compliments become as important to the announcement and substance of deals.” Rahim added, “Sure, a lot of it is theater. But in this region, signaling ambition is half the game. Even if only 50% sticks, it’s still an impactful play.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNBC 2025-05-17